AN inquest into the death of an 11-month-old baby boy has been opened.

Zakari William Bennett-Eko's body was discovered in the River Irwell near to the bridge in Blackburn Street, in Radcliffe town centre.

Today, area coroner Catherine McKenn opened the inquest at North Manchester Coroners' Court in Heywood.

The court heard that initial post mortem results list Zakari’s cause of death as 'immersion'.

Zakari was pulled out of the river by firefighters after reports that a child was in the water shortly before 4.25pm on Wednesday, September 11.

He was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital but died a short time later.

At the inquest opening, police coroner’s officer Jane Scullion confirmed that police were called to River Street after being alerted by members of the public, and discovered a baby in the river.

The inquest has been adjourned until a review on December 19.

Earlier this month, Zakari's father Zak Eko, aged 22, appeared in court charged with the murder of his son. He also faces a charge of manslaughter.

Mr Eko, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester Crown Court for a plea hearing on December 20.

A proposed trial date has been set for March 2020.

Zakari's mother Emma Blood previously paid tribute to her son and said he had a "smile that melted hearts".

She added that her “cheeky little chappie” will be the “heart of our family for many years to come”.